Paying your Council Tax
This section tells you how we collect Council Tax and what
you can do to avoid problems paying it.
We aim to ensure that Council Tax is paid within the year it is
due. Please do your best to ensure that you keep to the payment
dates on your bill - payments made on time can help cut Council
costs and provide better services.
When will I get my bill?
Normally, we will send out the bills during March.
If you move house, don't forget to let us know.
How will I know what to pay?
Your bill will show the total amount to be paid and a schedule
of instalments. It may also mention any payments outstanding.
The financial year runs from 1 April to 31 March.
When do I have to pay my bill?
You can choose from any of the following:
- Monthly - if you pay monthly, other than by Direct Debit,
you should pay at the start of each month, for 10 months (from
April to January). If you don't pay at the start of the month, we
will send you reminders.
If you want to pay later in the month, this can be done by Direct
Debit and you can choose the date that you pay.
- Half-Yearly - you should pay on 1 May and 1
September.
- Yearly - you should pay by 1 May.
If you want to change your payments from monthly, you must write
to the Revenues office and ask for this.
What about money owed for an earlier period?
If you owe money for an earlier period, either for the same or a
different address, this will be shown separately on your bill
and will not be included be in your instalments for the
current year.
The back of your bill lists the different ways that you can
pay.
If you do not pay at the Council's office in Margate or by
Direct Debit, please allow 4 working days for your payment to reach
us, otherwise you may get a reminder.
What happens if I miss a payment?
About two weeks after the date your payment is due, you will
receive a reminder notice showing how much you owe. If you miss a
payment more than once, we may ask you to pay your whole
account.
What if I can't pay?
Tell us straight away! We may be able to rearrange your payments
or tell you if you qualify for a reduction.
How can my bill be reduced?
What happens if you can't reduce my bill, and I still can't
pay?
If you find yourself in this position, you must phone
our Revenues office on 01843 577558.
If you are still unable to pay, we may take the following
action:
- You will be sent a second reminder about four weeks after the
first one.
- If you don't pay after the first or second reminder we will
send a final notice. This cancels your instalments and asks for the
year's Council Tax to be paid in full.
- If you still don't pay we will send you a summons for a hearing
in the Magistrates' Court. At this hearing we will also ask for
court costs to be added.
If the court issues a liability order against you we can take
further action, such as asking our bailiffs to recovery the money
you owe. You can be sent to prison for not paying your Council
Tax.
Where can I get advice?
By contacting the Revenues office.